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The Heartland Men’s Chorus never fails to present fun, humorous, and heartwarming shows often with entertaining guests not to be missed, and their holiday program is no exception. Last Friday night, the Folly Theater buzzed with the holiday spirit as the Heartland Men’s Chorus celebrated their highest-selling show to date, “12 Divas of Christmas,” with impressionist extraordinaire Christopher Peterson.

The program began with “It wouldn’t be Christmas without Garland,” a nice mix of references to jazz standards and classic Christmas tunes. Soloist Kevin Briggs was confident and clear in the song’s introduction. Coordinated mini-dance movements for the ensemble and a lit “DIVA HOLIDAYS” sign hung from above set the mood for what was to come.

Following the “Garland” opening song, naturally Judy Garland was the first diva to make an appearance with “We Need a Little Christmas.” Christopher Peterson gave an excellent imitation, with Garland’s wide vibrato and rapid blinking down to a T. His other solos were by-and-large equally entertaining. Peterson sang Mariah Carey’s new classic “All I Want for Christmas is You” as an impeccable Marilyn Monroe, complete with exaggerated lip quiver, breathy tone, weak intonation, and squeaky giggle. His nasal and cross-eyed Barbra Streisand appeared for “Jingle Bells” and Jewish jokes; raunchy Bette Davis with a mix of Catholic Church jokes (“For God’s sake, smile! It’s your birthday!” upon seeing a somber Jesus on the cross) and a hilariously dysfunctional “Twelve Days of Christmas;” and a saccharinely surprising Julie Andrews for “Favorite Things,” the end of which devolved into favorite swear words. My favorite of Peterson’s solos was “Santa Baby,” which was a mix of fantastic impressions as Marilyn, Carol Channing, Cher, Joan Rivers, and Eartha Kitt.

The Chorus delivered the same exuberant joy and genuine emotion as expected. “Merry Christmas, Darling” and “Hard Candy Christmas” were the best arrangements of the program and showed how rich and warm a sound this group can produce. Despite slightly shaky intonation and entrances, “Sure on this Shining Night” was a moving and beautiful sentiment. “When You Wish upon a Star” strayed from the familiar classic tune, with dissonant chords and different rhythms—the ensemble sang fine but I’m not sure the arrangement worked (not to this purist, at least). “Walkin’ Around in Women’s Underwear” was a lighthearted, silly nod to the use of drag costuming in their shows.

Several soloists from the Chorus shined as well throughout the program. Ron Williams sang with clear diction and tone in Hebrew for the dark “Over the Skies of Yisrael." “Christmas Rhapsody,” an amusing parody of Queen’s hit “Bohemian Rhapsody,” featured Kelly Marzett who threw himself completely into the theatrics of his crowd-pleasing and memorable performance. The HeartAches, a twelve-man subset of the Chorus, sang the sweet and charming “Lullaby." With strong intonation, even balance, equal vibrato, and an uplifting, warm energy, this a cappella tune was my personal favorite of the night.

Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies” parody “All the Santa Clauses” was the final song on the concert. Including syncopated clapping and a group of sunglass-wearing Santas dancing downstage, it was impossible not to tap your toes and lose yourself in the sheer fun of it all.

Following a standing ovation, Peterson rejoined the ensemble onstage for a lovely rendition of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” as Judy Garland.

The Heartland Men’s Chorus’ next show features the legendary local vocalist Marilyn Maye in March 2011. If the near-to-completely sold out “12 Divas” is any indication, I can’t recommend checking out future HMC shows highly enough!

REVIEW:
Heartland Men’s Chorus
“12 Divas of Christmas” with Christopher Peterson
December 3, 4, and 5, 2010 (Reviewed Friday, December 3)
Folly Theater
12^th and Central, Kansas City, MO
For more information visit www.hmckc.org

By Kristin Shafel Omiccioli

Editorial Assignments Executive Editor; Traditional and New Classical Contributor

Kristin Shafel Omiccioli, a native of Madison, WI, holds composition degrees (M.M., B.M.) from the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance. Kristin's compositions have been performed at national and regional new music festivals and conferences throughout the United States. During her time at UMKC, Kristin also focused on double bass performance and arts administration. She was a student leader and performer in many of the Conservatory's student organizations and ensembles, including Musica Nova, Composers' Guild, the Conservatory Student Association, the orchestras, and Wind Symphony. Her composition instructors were James Mobberley, Paul Rudy, Zhou Long, and Chen Yi, and her bass instructor was Sue Stubbs. Formerly a guitarist, Kristin performed with big bands and her own jazz combo in Madison, WI, having studied jazz guitar and theory with Roger Brotherhood in Madison and jazz voice and theory with Hal Melia in Kansas City at UMKC.

Kristin enjoys being active in the performing arts community. She has volunteered with the Chamber Music Society of Kansas City and Charlotte Street Foundation, and has played in the bass section of the Northland Symphony Orchestra, among other bass gigs around the metro. Kristin currently serves as principal bass for the Kansas City Civic Orchestra and Heritage Philharmonic, and is a section bassist for Kinnor Philharmonic. She joined the writing staff of KCMetropolis.org in February 2010 and has been KCM’s executive editor since July 2011. Read her blog at mylittleheartmelodies.com.